Basic Hindi Phrases for Foreigners Before Traveling to India

Useful Hindi Phrases for Foreigners– Hindi is an Indo-European language which its roots in Sanskrit. It is the only language in India which is spoken and understood by 60% of the population.

So I think when a person from outside country visits India for traveling or any other reason, he or she must understand and speak some common Hindi phrases. This will help you charm locals, get better deals while shopping and generally have a smoother, more comfortable India tour!

Believe me when you are little able to speak the mother language of India people can easily understand you and you’ll get the things of your desire. Indians are so hospitable even if you are not so fluent because they believe in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ means ‘The Guest is Equivalent to God.’

So this post is basically for all those foreigners who are traveling to India for the first time and need some guidance about some common Hindi Phrases with pronunciation.

Basic Hindi Phrases for Foreigners in India

Hello – Namaste

India is a country where people give respect to someone by saying ‘Namaste’ or ‘Pranam’. This gonna be very useful for you if you say these phrases to the locals. It simply melts their heart and they will help you unconditionally.

Please – Kripya

We know how magically this word works. When you say please to someone the person forgets everything and come forward to work for you. Though the word please is widely understood in India, its Hindi counterpart – ‘Kripya’, will be essential to know when you travel to the rural areas.

How are you? – Aap Kaise Hain?

It will be the best way to start a communication with the locals by asking them ‘Aap Kasie Hain?’ means ‘How are you?’ to which you will get the reply ‘Main theek hun‘ means I’m fine.

Sorry or Excuse Me – Maaf Kijiye

I think no word can heal the pain the word sorry does. If you want to say sorry to someone, just say ‘Maaf Kijiye‘.

Thank you – Dhanyavaad

Thank you is the most polite word in the world. In India you can use ‘Dhanyavaad’ or ‘Shukriya’, words that are commonly understood by the locals.

Do you speak English? – Kya aap English Bolte Hain?

Most of the people in India speak and understand English very well. Some are not so fluent but can easily speak some common phrases of English. So before you start any conversation you can ask them by saying ‘Kya aap English Bolte Hain?‘ . If they are able to speak they will reply with Yes or ‘Haan’ , and if they are not they will just say ‘Nahi’ means No.

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Pooja Thakur

A B.Tech graduate in Information Technology, Pooja Thakur is a passionate blogger, website designer and developer, content writer and SEO analyst. She loves reading and writing and shares her travel related knowledge at WishPlanTravel, a travel guide for everyone.